Intellectual disability psychiatrist

Also known as learning disability psychiatry, the psychiatry of intellectual disabilities involves working with people with learning disabilities, who are much more likely than the general population to experience mental health conditions.

Psychiatrists treat severe mental illness as well as range of other mental health conditions such as autistic spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders.

People may physical problems and often present non-specifically (for example with withdrawal or behaviour problems) and finding out the cause is a fascinating diagnostic challenge.

It is also essential to consider the system around the person (such as family, support staff) to understand clinical problems.

In this field, you are very likely to be working a community setting such as a clinic or even someone’s home.